"We certainly welcome it and would hope that the government will go on and
recognise these relationships in full."

Gareth Crossman, from civil rights group Liberty, also described that plan as
"a welcome move".

"A civil register for same-sex relationships would allow equal access to the
economic and property rights that are available to heterosexual couples," he said.

'Serious practical grievances'

Those sentiments were backed by Conservative shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin.

Mr Letwin told Today: "Whilst we attach a huge importance to the institution of marriage and want to keep that as it is, we do recognise that gay couples suffer from some serious practical grievances."

That stance might not, however, find favour with some of Mr Letwin's fellow Tories.

The move was welcomed as well by Liberal Democrat health spokesman Evan Harris. But he urged ministers to ensure unmarried heterosexual couples too were equal before the law.